With pressure coming from Price, Wade and sixth-placed Daryl Gurney, Serbian-born thrower Suljovic knows he will have very little time to rest on his laurels.

"I'm in good form, really" insisted former Champions League of Darts winner, Suljovic. "I have spoken to my management and told them I'm consistently hitting 100s and 140s. I'm in good form and I never give up.

"My doubles might not be so good, but I have made improvements."

I’m in the Premier League again.2018 was a good Year, and this is the icing on the cake. I want to do even better in 2019, so watch out.Thank you to the PDC, Sky Sports and all my Sponsors, most importantly you the fans. Congratulations also to @MvG180!

Suljovic's first Premier League campaign was a baptism of fire after he finished ninth in a disappointing campaign. But he says he has learnt from his mistakes and come back a stronger performer on the big stage this season, where he has only lost four of his 13 league matches.

Some of his tactical nous maybe questioned, not least during his two wins against Wade where he appeared to slow his game in order to frustrate his opponent and collect maximum points, but whatever people make of Suljovic there is no doubt that he usually gets the job done.

I'm 100 per cent better than last year because I was so nervous during a lot of matches, but this year I'm not nervous and my form is good. Everything is going well.

Mensur Suljovic

"Last year was my first full season so I saw how everything went and what the Premier League is all about. It was new for me but this year I have played better," Suljovic said.

"I'm 100 per cent better than last year because I was so nervous during a lot of matches, but this year I'm not nervous and my form is good. Everything is going well."

0:15

He nailed this spectacular 120 finish during his draw against Michael Smith last week in Birmingham

He nailed this spectacular 120 finish during his draw against Michael Smith last week in Birmingham

With a tough run-in to come for Suljovic, he is happy taking one match at a time, starting with Peter 'Snakebite' Wright.

"I hope to play in Vienna and not in Manchester," joked 47-year-old Suljovic. "I will give my best, of course. Peter is not in good form, but he is my friend.

"I will be happy with a 7-7 draw against Peter, honestly. He's a good player and he has nothing to lose, but I will give my best."

Suljovic will head into the match as strong favourite having won five out of his last eight matches in the tournament.

"I am in good form," he said. "Really, I have played well and I've not even had time to practice because I've been busy at the Players Championship. Everything is going good."

Also See:

What comes next? Night 14 - Thursday, May 2 - Manchester Arena

James Wade

vs

Gerwyn Price

Daryl Gurney

vs

Michael van Gerwen

Peter Wright

vs

Mensur Suljovic

Rob Cross

vs

Michael Smith

Mensur Suljovic was speaking to Sky Sports' Raz Mirza in Birmingham. The Premier League continues as we head to the Manchester Arena on Thursday, May 2. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts